Pyrotechnic Device Safe Firing via Segmented Dual-Box Circuit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pyrotechnic devices for destroying animals digging galleries, such as moles, face issues with inadvertent triggering during installation, use, and removal, and lack effective visual indicators for their activation state, posing risks to users, especially children.

Innovation Solution

A pyrotechnic device with a dual-box configuration where the first box contains detection means and is connected to a second box via a wired connection, using interrupting means to control the electrical firing circuit, ensuring safe installation and removal by maintaining a safe distance and providing visual cues for activation status through removable covers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the pyrotechnic device uses a simple detection and firing mechanism, then the device is easy to operate and install, but the risk of inadvertent triggering increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidrisk of inadvertent triggering
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into two separate boxes: a first box containing the detection means and a second box containing the firing means. These boxes must be connected via wired connection to complete the firing circuit, thereby segmenting the hazardous components and reducing the risk of inadvertent triggering during installation while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the pyrotechnic charge is installed in the gallery with detection means in the chimney, then the device is effective for destroying animals, but the risk of injuring users or causing surface damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffectiveness against animalsVSAvoidrisk of injuring user
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pyrotechnic charge is separated from the detection means into different locations: the detection means remains in the chimney while the pyrotechnic charge is installed in the gallery. This spatial segmentation allows the device to remain effective while reducing the risk to users by burying the hazardous pyrotechnic charge away from the surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A wired connection serves as an intermediary element linking the first box (detection means) and the second box (firing means). This intermediary connection allows the device to function effectively while maintaining a safe distance between the user and the pyrotechnic charge during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If existing security devices are used, then some protection against inadvertent triggering is provided, but the devices are not satisfactory as they can be bypassed or are difficult to use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against inadvertent triggeringVSAvoidease of use
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The firing circuit is segmented into two separate boxes that must be connected via wired connection. This segmentation creates an inherent security feature where the circuit remains interrupted during installation, providing protection against inadvertent triggering while maintaining ease of operation through simple connection of the two boxes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2462804B1Pyrotechnic device with safe firing
Publication Date: 2013.11.27 CREA
  • EP2462804B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2462804B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2462804B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The device (1) has a housing (6) installed at ground (28) and electrically connected to pyrotechnic charge (2), where the housing includes an animal detection unit (3). Another housing (7) is installed at the ground at a distance and connected to the former housing by a wired connection unit (8). The latter housing includes an interruption unit (9) of an electric firing circuit (4) to achieve interruption state and continuity state for respectively interrupting or establishing continuity of a section (10) of the electric firing circuit.